The issue of travel permits for foreign students wishing to study in Turkey may seem complicated at first. There are many details that students should pay attention to in both the residence permit and student visa processes. Especially when it comes to travel permits, the smallest mistake can put both visa and residence permit processes at risk. In this article, you will learn step-by-step information about travel permits as a student in Turkey, from repatriation during vacations to long-term trips abroad.
Travel Permits with Student Visa in Turkey: What to Pay Attention to?
Foreign students studying in Turkey are in a very advantageous position in terms of travel permits. Students with a valid residence permit can return to the country without obtaining an additional visa when leaving and entering Turkey. However, it is necessary to pay attention to some important points.
The Relationship Between Residence Permit and Travel Permits
The travel permits for foreign students studying in Turkey are directly related to their residence permits. As long as the residence permit is valid, there is no problem in entering and exiting the country with a student visa. However, students whose residence permit is about to expire must apply for renewal 60 days before the permit expires. If you exceed this period, you may face problems such as fines and entry bans.
You can find detailed information about the residence permit extension process in our Residence Permit in Turkey: Guide for International Students.
Visa Exemption and Students’ Responsibilities
Foreign students do not need to obtain a visa as part of their travel permit while they have a valid residence permit. However, this exemption is valid for the duration of the student’s residence permit. If your residence permit expires or you do not apply for renewal, you will have to obtain a student visa upon re-entry. Also keep in mind that the validity of your passport must be at least 60 days longer than the expiration date of your residence permit.
Exit and Re-Entry Rules: Visa and Residency Issues
For students, travel permits are important not only for departure from Turkey but also for return. Students who go abroad for reasons such as vacations or family visits should pay attention to some documents and procedures in order to return to Turkey without any problems.
Passport and Visa Rules for Exit and Entry
You must have a valid passport and residence card when leaving Turkey. You should also make sure that your residence permit is still valid and that your passport has sufficient validity. These are the basic requirements for travel permits. If you don’t make sure that your residence permit has not expired on your return to Turkey, you may have to get a visa at the border or face an entry ban.
Risk of Residence Permit in Long-Term Travels Abroad
Many students return home or travel to different countries during the holidays. However, there is an important rule for travel permits: If you stay abroad for more than 120 days in a year, your current residence permit may be canceled. In this case, you will need to obtain a new student visa to re-enter Turkey, which is a serious waste of time and money.
We explained in detail how to correct the mistakes made in this regard in our article Common Mistakes and Solutions in Turkey Visa Application.
Return to Turkey on Holidays: Student Residence Permit Tips
Returning home for the holidays or traveling to other countries can be a great experience. However, you should be familiar with the travel permits process to avoid problems on your return. Under this heading, I share the steps to be considered upon return and tips for renewing your residence permit.
Renewal of Residence Permit on Return to Turkey
If your residence permit is about to expire on your return from vacation, you should definitely apply for an extension before you return to Turkey. By applying through the e-residency system of the Migration Management before your travel date, you will not have any problems in the travel permits process. You should make sure that your passport and other documents are up to date at the time of application.
Common Mistakes in the Travel Permits Process
Students can make some mistakes in the travel permits process, especially when applying for the first time. The most common mistakes include leaving the application to the last minute, preparing incomplete documents, and paying the wrong application fee. For example, the renewal fee for a student residence permit is around $9 (this fee may change each year). In addition, if the health insurance policy or address declaration is missing, your application may be invalid.
Exit-Entry Problems and Solutions
Traveling is exciting for any student, but sometimes problems with travel permits can be frustrating. You may encounter problems such as expired passport, expired residence permit or the need to exit quickly in an emergency. In this thread I share the most common problems and solutions.
Travel Permits Violations and Fines
One of the most common problems is trying to leave Turkey with an expired residence permit. In this case, you may have to pay a fine of around $26 at the border crossing. Also, re-entry into Turkey may be difficult due to violations of travel permits. At passport control, the authorities may turn you back due to missing documents or an expired residence permit. To avoid such a situation, make sure to check your residence permit duration and documents before leaving Turkey.
Table: Travel Permit Violations and Fines (USD)
| Violation Status | Estimated Penalty |
|---|---|
| Exit with expired residence permit | $26 |
| Passport expired | $26 |
| Stay abroad for more than 120 days | $26 |
Getting a Travel Permit in Emergency Situations
Sometimes you may need to travel urgently for unexpected family or health reasons. In such cases, you can apply for an “exit permit” from the Migration Management for travel permits. This document allows you to re-enter Turkey within 15 days after the application. Thus, your student residence permit remains valid.
Special Situations for Students: Emergency Travel and Medical Leave
Everyone’s life can have unexpected moments. Health problems, family reasons or an important event outside the country… At such times, knowing the procedures for travel permits is vital to avoid problems.
Travel and Documents for Health Reasons
If you have a serious health condition (e.g. treatment or surgery), you can apply to the Immigration Authority with a doctor’s certificate and hospital documents to obtain an emergency exit permit. This permit is usually valid for 15 days as part of travel permits. Remember that you must keep the original medical reports with you when you return to Turkey.
Travel Permit in Family and Personal Situations
If you need to travel for family reasons (e.g. illness or death of a close relative), you can request a permit from the Migration Management before you leave Turkey. This document will help you to avoid problems in the travel permits procedure, both on departure and on return. Submitting the documents in full and applying online via the e-residency system will speed up the process.
Secure Your Dream of Education in Turkey: Take a Step Now!
Studying in Turkey as a student is not only an academic journey, but also an opportunity to explore a new culture. By managing the details of travel permits correctly, you can plan both your education and social life smoothly. Take a step now, shape your study plan with RoadToStudy and make your dream come true!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you travel with a student visa?
The student visa is valid for entry into Turkey; it cannot be used for travel in other countries.
Can you go to another country with a student visa?
No, a student visa only grants entry to the issuing country and is not valid for travel to other countries.
What type of visa is a student visa?
A student visa is a short or long-term national (type D) visa issued for study purposes.
How long is a student visa valid?
The validity period usually depends on the duration of the training program and can range from a few months to several years.